2018 Ford Expedition engine problems
98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2018 Ford Expedition — 26% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My 2018 Ford Expedition with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine has developed a pronounced rattling/knocking noise at startup. This appears consistent with the well documented cam phaser/VCT problem affecting this engine family. At approximately 118,212 miles, an independent Firestone Complete Auto Care…”
filed Sep 11, 2026
“I noticed a loud rattle when starting my 2018 Ford Expedition, at first occasionally and then on every cold start. The Ford Dealer's service department diagnosed a cam phaser issue. There were no warning lights or messages available to me, but the service department's diagnosis showed several…”
filed Jul 16, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Expedition years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Expedition | 2 | 6% |
| 2024 Expedition | 5 | 7% |
| 2023 Expedition | 6 | 9% |
| 2022 Expedition | 10 | 9% |
| 2021 Expedition | 55 | 24% |
| 2020 Expedition | 51 | 12% |
| 2019 Expedition | 107 | 22% |
| 2017 Expedition | 38 | 11% |
| 2016 Expedition | 37 | 17% |
| 2015 Expedition | 31 | 19% |
| 2014 Expedition | 10 | 14% |
| 2013 Expedition | 10 | 11% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Ford Expedition
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.